#RWC2015 Diary: ‘AVE A MONKEY ON IRELAND
In his new rugby punditry gig for Kicca.com, conducted, as you’d expect, through the window of his car, Redknapp has some kind words for Ireland’s chances of winning the whole thing.
“If I was having a bet, 9/1 or 10/1 Ireland... Ireland won’t be far away. They’re the best of the others. I think they’ll be strong. They tell me the coach is fantastic. Good players. They’ve got a chance.”
Mind you, Harry wouldn’t be Harry without hedging his bets a touch. “I think New Zealand are going to win it. They look the strongest team.
“Australia are a strong outfit and they’ve got every chance, along with South Africa.”
In the latest ‘#allitakes’ video from the Irish camp for Three, Johnny Sexton confirms your best chance of a good night’s sleep during the tournament is to avoid rooming with a forward.
“Normally, the backs would be good enough. The forwards.. when you get a front five, game over.”
Sexton does confirm there are exceptions to this rule. “Tommy Bowe is an unbelievable snorer. And Darren Cave.” But Paul O’Connell backs the accuracy of these prejudices by confirming he packs two brand new wax earplugs to present to each room-mate because he might have a “bad night here and there.”
The former chairman of Rugby League Ireland Dave Southern doesn’t think much of Ireland’s chances against France. And won’t lose any sleep either way. He told Balls.ie that“I wouldn’t rate Ireland’s chances, as I didn’t rate England’s chances. And hopefully, there’s not too many tears shed if Ireland don’t come out (on top) against France. Because they are getting acclaim as if they’re world beaters but I’ve not seen them put the performance to say they’re going to do very well in this competition.”
Uruguay players are enthusiastic about plans for a “Pan American Six Nations” due to start next year and including themselves, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile and USA The competition would likely take place in February and March, with hosting alternating between North and South America.
“It would be huge tournament because it’s going to give us the chance to keep growing. It is a big way to start the year,” said Uruguay captain Santiago Vilaseca. And coach Pablo Lemoine was also enthusiastic. “It would allow us to remain competitive, as it’s difficult to prepare a team if you are not playing competitively.”
Faifili Levave (Samoa) escaped a ban for tackling without the ball in the loss to Japan.
While Levave’s citing was upheld, the Judicial Officer found the offence to be low-end and took into account Levave’s impeccable conduct during the hearing, good character and clean disciplinary record and cleared him to play in Samoa’s final Pool B match against Scotland.
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